Robotic evaluation of sensorimotor and cognitive function following exposure to subconcussive impacts
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Authors
Hambly, Cameron Charles
Date
2024-11-21
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Subconcussive impacts , Kinarm , Motor learning , Cognitive control
Alternative Title
Abstract
Subconcussive impacts, caused by direct or indirect head trauma without immediate symptoms, are increasingly recognized as a contributor to long-term neurological sequelae Individuals repeatedly exposed to such impacts, including military personnel and contact sport athletes, often report symptoms as their careers progress. However, monitoring neurological changes related to subconcussive impacts is challenging because few objective measures are currently available. Robotic technology, such as the Kinarm device, presents an opportunity to objectively quantify sensorimotor and cognitive function. Here, military snipers operating 0.50-caliber long-range rifles completed a visually guided reaching (VGR) and reverse visually guided reaching (RVGR) task using Kinarm. Assessments were completed before (n = 18) and after (n = 7) a one-day shooting intervention. While overall performance in snipers did not significantly differ from controls (n = 53) at either time point, snipers made more direction errors than controls during the initial VGR assessment. This difference may relate to an accumulation of subconcussive impacts incurred throughout military service. Additionally, both groups improved between assessments, primarily driven by a training effect observed in the first few trials. Further analysis of individual trials revealed that snipers displayed poorer feedback adjustment compared to controls. However, snipers were consistently faster, suggesting that their specialized skill set may compensate for exposure to subconcussive impacts. Overall, these findings show that Kinarm may be useful in identifying markers of exposure and recovery in traumatic brain injury, potentially in conjunction with neuroimaging to link changes in the brain with a functional outcome.
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.